Identification of genes regulated by the transcription factor RFX1 (CR_06110C) in the yeast Candida albicans

The regulatory factor X (RFX) gene family comprises a functionally diverse group of transcription factors characterized by a highly conserved and unique winged-helix DNA binding domain. The RFX proteins control a variety of processes ranging from genome integrity and cell cycle in model yeasts to immune functions and tissue differentiation in higher eukaryotes. The yeast Candida albicans encodes two RFX homologs, one of which (CR_06110C, termed RFX1) remains uncharacterized. In this study we employed RNA-seq to identify downstream targets of the transcriptional regulator Rfx1 in C. albicans. Overall design: Transcriptome comparison between two isogenic Candida albicans strains: WT reference strain and rfx1 deletion mutant. The strains were grown in triplicates on YP (yeast extract, peptone) maltose agar at 30°C for 48 hours. RNA was prepared from colonies scraped off the agar. Directional mRNA library preparation (with poly A enrichment) and sequencing using NovaSeq PE150 mode was executed at Novogene Corporation Inc.